Friends,
We are having some glorious hot weather! It is sunny right now as I type. This makes me happy 🙂
So, another sun suitable dress made using McCalls 6988. You can see my first version here. The first version has been worn (sadly to a funeral) and, whilst it is still not in my all time favourites list, I think the bones of the pattern are fundamentally good and so I decided to try it again, this time in a stretch cotton purchased locally to me.
This time I made view D with a 1 inch full arm adjustment and no other changes (see my first version for full review). Being as this a stretch cotton I was worried about necklines stretching out and so I made sure to staystitch everything, including the facings. The dress is unlined and I just machined the hems.
This pattern is one of thos multi-cup size patterns, which means separate pattern pieces are included for A – D cup sizes. One thing to note is that these cup sizes are not the same as your regular bra cup sizes and so even though I am normally a G cup in bra fitting, I used the A/B cup for this dress and it fits perfectly through the bust. No FBA required. Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully for measuring and selecting the most appropriate size.
I have got heels on here but I can easily see me wearing this with white pumps or sandals. It is a great piece to dress up or down. My only thought is, do you think I should have pegged the skirt some?
All in all I am super happy with this dress and I can see more in my future. Have a great day!
I think your dress is lovely and would look nice at any occasion! I think the skirt fullness suits the silhouette of the dress.
Thanks Freshly Sewn. Yep, looking at these photos I think I am quite happy with the skirt. I will wear a few times and then decide!
So pretty and flattering. I never thought I would ever make myself a sheath dress. But, I’m running out tomorrow to get this pattern! I’ve never had a pair of red shoes either! That’s going on my list too.
What does “pegged the skirt mean?” I’ve never heard that term.
Thanks Nwspooner. Pegging means you taper the lower part of the skirt down to give a more fitted silhouette. Typically I think people narrow a hem down so it is 4 inches less than your hip measurement? It just gives a more fitted look but I think looking at these pictures I am quite happy with the hem for now.
I imagine sitting down would feel closter phobic.
Btw it’s sunny here too. Yesterday was 115° I am not going to be hot this summer! I’m only sewing comfort clothes that are, pretty too. Hopefully pretty. Your dress is perfect for going out in.
I think pegging the bottom would make it even better. I love dresses and this basic sheath for summer.
Thanks Marlene.
Your dress is lovely – great fit and gorgeous fabric. I would leave the skirt as it is (I really like an a-line). I also think the shape is cuter if you are planning on wearing flat shoes or pumps.
Thanks Donna. Yep think I am swaying to leave but I need to wear a couple of times!
you should be super happy with this dress as it is beautiful – what a great fabric and you look so pretty in it. Love it !
Thanks Beth
Really pretty dress. I would peg the hem a bit, but not a lot. But, that’s just my own personal taste. Either way it is a lovely dress.
Thanks Jen
I really like this on you. Might be nice pegged, but it inspires me as is! So it can’t be too necessary!
Thanks Brenna
Hi, I really like this dress on you. I wouldn’t have said ooh that needs pegging until you said…. But now you say just an inch bit. If you don’t it doesn’t matter. I too am making summer dresses, a coral flowery sleeveless shirt dress and a Tilly and the buttons blue spotty dress.
Thanks Rachel. Your summer sewing plans sound good.
Very pretty and so flattering! What a cheery, summery dress.
Thanks Tia Dia
This is such a pretty dress. I really like the colours in your fabric. I think that pegging the dress would look great but would make the dress look more formal. As it is it’s nice and airy. It depends what look you’re after really!
Thanks Corrine. Yep I think you’re right it would make it more formal and I don’t know if that’s what I want. So for now leaving it as is.
This looks fantastic Manju, you really know what suits you. I love it with the red shoes.
Thanks Sam.
This is gorgeous on you!
Thanks heather.
Gorgeous dress.
Thanks kat
It looks super awesome on you and I wouldn’t change a thing about it! I wish I could rock a dress like you can.
Thanks garnet49. Anyone can rock a dress with confidence and the right shoes 🙂
But you do it better than most! 🙂 Throughout the comments, I’ve seen the expression “pegging the dress” so often. I’m Canadian, and even tho I do a lot of sewing, I don’t know what “pegging the dress” means. It must be an English expression? Can you enlighten me?
Pegging is when you taper the hem of the skirt down to give a more closer fitting silhouette. I think this term is also used in the USA? Typical rule of thumb is to make hems around 4 inches less than your hips. This would make the skirt portion much more fitted.
Thank you for clearing that up for me. Now I get it! 🙂
Ooh, pretty! I love the fabric and fit. And no to the pegging if you plan to wear it in a more casual setting. I think it’s perfect the way it is.
Thanks Amanda. I think for now no pegging. Wear it a couple more times and see but I do like it as is.
I’d agree with Amanda S. This looks lovely as it is (and appears slightly pegged already). A grand summer addition to your wardrobe ~ hope you have opportunity to wear it often! 🌞🌞
Thank you Del. I hope I get lots of opportunity to wear it too!
I have this dress made up and its been hanging on the back of the door for months. I just don’t love it but yours looks fabulous! Great job!
Thanks nakisha. I felt the same about my black version but it’s funny how you get the pattern/ fabric pairing right and suddenly it’s a game changer.
Hi, I really love how the dress looks on you. I actually wouldn’t peg it. Abbey
Thanks Abbey.
Beautiful dress. I think the silhouette is just right.
Thanks Beth
Don’t peg it! If the weather continues hot, you want to be able to capture all the breezes you can — when the wind dies down, sailors let out the sails to their fullest extent, to catch any stray puff of breeze to continue forward motion. But, I speak as one who lives in central North Carolina. It looks to be hotter than the hinges of Hades this summer, with near-100% humidity most days.
It makes me so happy that you put those lipstick-red pumps with this delft blue and white print. Unexpected, and cheerful. White sandals will also look nice, in a completely different way.
Thank you Lin and I think I am with you on not pegging.
Look at that sunshine. The perfect dress for it too. I’ll have to check if I have that pattern as it turned out lovely on you!
Lovely dress.